MINUTES OF MACA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - 5/25/2026

President M. Urbonas called the Annual Membership Meeting to order at 9:09 AM at the Best Western Royal Plaza in Marlborough, site of the 94th Massachusetts Open.  Ten people were in attendance: President Michael Urbonas, outgoing Treasurer Robert Messenger, Clerk Nicholas Sterling, Directors Elsie Smits, Colin Scheriff (incoming Treasurer), Mark Gruman, Jamie Williams, Charles Recchia; and two guests: Nathan Recchia, and Natasha Christiansen.  A quorum of thirty being required by the Bylaws, the meeting was inquorate.

Treasurer: (a) R. Messenger presented the Annual MACA Treasurer Report which covered 2025-2026 up to 4/30/2026.  Total Consolidated Revenue: $84874.01; Total Consolidated Expenses: $77326.37; Net Consolidated Income: $7547.64. General Fund Total Revenue: $82063.93; General Fund Total Expenses: $67961.82; General Fund Net Income: $14102.11. Special Funds Total Revenue: $3649.08; Special Funds Total Expenses: $10203.55; Special Fund Net Loss: $6564.47. Total Fund Balances: $196332.56; Total Liabilities: $7708.00; Total Assets: $204040.56. 

                   (b) During this report, a question was raised about whether MACA has printed material, especially with FAQ’s for new Scholastics players, to give out.  These could be handouts, flyers, brochures, and books.  The hope is to help kids who are new Scholastics players with how tournaments work, and to reassure them that they are entitled to play in them even if they are new.

           (c) During this report, Western MA was mentioned, and it was agreed that MACA should reach out to WMCA to offer help.

                   (d) During this report, Prison Chess was discussed, and it was mentioned that a new person may be assisting with it soon.

Membership: R. Messenger presented the 5/22/2026 Membership numbers, and distributed copies, as follows: Adults 197 (-16); Junior 495 (-90); Life 195 (=); Affiliate 0 (=); Prison 366 (=).  Total change in Membership: -106.  The drop in Junior Members was noted. 

Election results were as follows (advancing candidates are in bold type):

President: Michael Urbonas (57), Robby King (3), write-ins (1) 

        Vice-President: Kateryna Odnorozhenko (59, unopposed)

  Clerk: Nicholas Sterling (59, unopposed) 

        Treasurer: Colin Scheriff (61, unopposed)

        Directors: Bob Messenger (57, incoming), Dmitry Barash (50, incumbent), Elsie Smits (45, incumbent), Mark Gruman (44, incumbent), Jamie Williams (43, incumbent), Charles Recchia (43, incumbent), Ray Xue (39, incumbent), Venkat (Rishi) Devata (39, incoming), Nick Sterling (28), Robby King (9), write-ins (2). 

        Ratification of Bylaws Amendments (see: MACA Board Meeting Minutes - 9/28/2025, "Bylaws" section, and "Further Actions" - item 2): YES (59), NO (1).

63 voted altogether, with 60 electronic ballots and 3 paper ballots.  

New Business: Awards were presented to B. Messenger to congratulate and thank him for his service of 25 years to MACA as Treasurer.

President M. Urbonas adjourned the Meeting at 9:39 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Nicholas Sterling, Clerk